Feed metering device

ABSTRACT

A feed metering device for distributing fodder and/or drink in metered portions to an animal. The feed metering device is provided with a feed unit for containing fodder and/or drink, an entrance opening to the feed unit, and a feed supplying device for supplying an amount of fodder and/or drink to the feed unit. The feed metering device is provided with a closing means that is movable across the entrance opening in order to deter an animal visiting the feed unit from taking fodder and/or drink. The closing means rotates about an axis, the closing means being driven by a roll that contacts the closing means, which roll is driven by a motor.

[0001] The present invention relates to a feed metering device accordingto the preamble of claim 1. Such a feed unit may be constituted by amanger or feeding trough, or by a unit provided with a nipple, e.g. forcalves.

[0002] Such a feed metering device is known from European patentapplication EP-A-0610171. By means of a control unit the closing meansof this known feed metering device is actively kept in the position inwhich it closes the manger or feeding trough.

[0003] It is one of the objectives of the present invention to providean alternative feed metering device for distributing fodder and/or drinkin metered portions to an animal, which device, on the one hand, detersin a constructively simple, efficient and cheap manner animals that arenot eligible for being fed from putting their heads into the feed unit,and, on the other hand, offers additional advantages.

[0004] For that purpose, in accordance with the invention, a feedmetering device of the above described type is characterized by themeasures according to the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0005] The feed metering device preferably includes an animalidentification device, the roll being controlled with the aid of datafrom the animal identification device.

[0006] In an embodiment of a feed metering device according to theinvention, there is obtained a compact construction when the roll isdisposed in the vicinity below the entrance opening. Preferably there isdisposed a housing in the vicinity below the entrance opening, in whichhousing the roll is mounted.

[0007] The closing means may be formed by a separate component, but ispreferably constituted by the feed unit itself, which is designed as amovable one. As a result thereof the number of components is limited andthe feed metering device can be manufactured cheaply.

[0008] In order to prevent fodder and/or drink from falling from thefeed unit in certain positions of the feed unit, the latter comprises awall portion for catching remaining fodder and/or drink. Said wallportion can also act as a feed guide means for fodder and/or drink thatis supplied by the feed supplying device to the feed unit.

[0009] A stable construction is obtained when the feed unit bears on thehousing via the roll.

[0010] The motor is preferably included in the housing, so that acompact construction is obtained. The housing also serves for protectingthe motor against contamination, damage and the like.

[0011] A quick and accurate identification of animals is obtained whenthe animal identification device is included in the housing, the animalidentification device then also being guarded against contamination,damage and the like.

[0012] The feed metering device preferably comprises further deterringmeans for deterring an animal, which include a loudspeaker for producingan animal-frightening sound. Certain animals have appeared to be highlysensitive to certain sounds, so that a loudspeaker is very appropriatefor deterring such animals. Moreover, such a loudspeaker may be used forproducing calming or stimulating sounds when an animal uses the feedmetering device correctly.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, the further deterring means mayinclude means for generating an animal-frightening light. In particularwhen a plurality of feed metering devices are disposed side by side, theuse of frightening light is desired, as this light can be directed insuch a manner that its effect is limited to one particular feed meteringdevice.

[0014] The further deterring means may include a voltage emitting devicefor emitting an animal-frightening electric voltage. Sound and lighthave proved to be effective for deterring unwanted animals, but have thedisadvantage of being observable sometimes at a greater distance fromthe relevant feed metering device. Animals that undesirably visit a feedmetering device often make contact with the feed metering device,usually with their noses. By linking with a voltage emitting deviceprecisely those components of the feed metering device that areregularly touched by the animals, it is possible to deter a particularanimal very locally. Alternatively, a forced air flow may be used fordeterring the animal.

[0015] A preferred embodiment of a feed metering device according to theinvention is characterized in that the feed metering device is providedwith means for weighing the fodder and/or drink present in the feedunit, which means move the feed unit in a pivoting respectively arotating manner. Thus it is possible to determine how much fodder and/ordrink is consumed by a particular animal. On the basis thereof theamount of fodder and/or drink consumed by an animal can be determined inthe course of time and accordingly the health condition of an animal canbe deduced; for, when an animal unexpectedly takes a smaller amount offodder and/or drink, this may be a signal that the animal is ill.Moreover, it is undesirable that, when an animal leaves a certain amountof fodder and/or drink, the amount of fodder and/or drink for the nextanimal is supplied to the feed unit without these remnants being takeninto account. The means for weighing the fodder and/or drink present inthe feed unit are preferably linked with the feed supplying device forsupplying an amount of fodder and/or drink to the feed unit with the aidof data both from the animal identification device and the weighingmeans.

[0016] The means for weighing the fodder and/or drink present in thefeed unit may comprise a feed unit which is pivotable about a hinge pin,the degree of pivotability being determined by the weight of the fodderand/or drink present in the feed unit, and a device for determining thedegree of pivotability of the feed unit and for deducing, from thedegree as determined, the weight of the fodder and/or drink present inthe feed unit. The degree of pivotability of the feed unit depends onthe amount of fodder and/or drink in the feed unit. The more fodderand/or drink, the larger the degree of pivotability. The exactcorrelation between the degree of pivotability and the amount of fodderand/or drink can previously be determined by means of simple calibrationtests.

[0017] A compact construction of the feed metering device is obtainedwhen the device for determining the degree of pivotability of the feedunit and for deducing, from the degree as determined, the weight of theamount of fodder and/or drink present in the feed unit, is integrated inthe animal identification device.

[0018] When the device for determining the degree of pivotability of thefeed unit and for deducing, from the degree as determined, the weight ofthe amount of fodder and/or drink present in the feed unit comprises ameasuring roll which is in contact with the feed unit, it is possible todetermine from the degree of rotation of the roll the degree ofpivotability and thus the amount of fodder and/or drink in the feedunit.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the device for determining thedegree of pivotability of the feed unit and for deducing, from thedegree as determined, the weight of the amount of fodder and/or drinkpresent in the feed unit, comprises a load sensor, the feed unit bearingon the load sensor. The load sensor is preferably included in the animalidentification device.

[0020] In order to be able to measure even a small difference in weight,in a preferred embodiment of a feed metering device according to theinvention, the hinge pin and the load sensor respectively the measuringroll are located at a small distance from each other.

[0021] In order to prevent for example the load sensor from beingdamaged in the undesired event of a defect, there is provided a safetysupporting bracket for the feed unit.

[0022] A preferred embodiment of a feed metering device according to theinvention is characterized in that the means for weighing the fodderand/or drink present in the feed unit comprise a movable feed unit, amotor for moving the feed unit, a device for measuring the magnitude ofthe torque during movement, and for deducing, from the magnitude of thetorque measured, the weight of the fodder and/or drink present in thefeed unit. The magnitude of the torque generated by the movement of thefeed unit depends on the amount of fodder and/or drink in the feed unit.Also in this situation, the exact correlation between torque and amountof fodder and/or drink can previously be determined by means of simplecalibration tests.

[0023] A compact feed metering device is obtained when the motor formoving the feed unit and the device for measuring the magnitude of thetorque during movement and for deducing, from the magnitude of thetorque measured, the weight of the fodder and/or drink present in thefeed unit, are integrated in the animal identification device.

[0024] A mechanically simple but accurate construction is obtained whenthe motor for moving the feed unit drives a torque roll, said torqueroll being in contact with the feed unit.

[0025] According to the invention, the means for deterring an unwantedanimal and the means for measuring the amount of fodder and/or drink inthe feed unit can be combined in one means, in that the roll for drivingthe feed unit as a closing means and the torque roll used on measuringthe torque are constituted by one roll.

[0026] In order to be able accurately to perform animal identificationand to obtain at the same time a compact construction, a feed meteringunit according to the present invention is characterized in that theanimal identification device is disposed in the vicinity below theentrance opening.

[0027] The invention will be explained hereinafter in further detailwith reference, by way of example, to the drawing in which:

[0028]FIG. 1 is a first embodiment of a feed metering device accordingto the invention;

[0029]FIG. 2 is a second embodiment of a feed metering device accordingto the invention;

[0030]FIG. 3 is a third embodiment of a feed metering device accordingto the invention;

[0031]FIG. 4 is a fourth embodiment of a feed metering device accordingto the invention, and

[0032]FIG. 5 is a fifth embodiment of a feed metering device accordingto the invention.

[0033]FIG. 1 shows schematically a first embodiment of a feed meteringdevice 1 according to the invention. The feed metering device 1distributes fodder and/or drink (hereinafter to be denoted by feed, bywhich is meant fodder and/or drink), in metered portions to an animal,and is provided with a feed unit 10, also called manger or feedingtrough, for containing feed. An entrance opening 11 makes the feed unit10 accessible to an animal, for example but not exclusively a cow. Ananimal identification device 12, known per se, recognizes a particularanimal that approaches the feed unit 10 and wishes to use it. The animalidentification device 12 is preferably disposed in the feed meteringdevice 1, but may alternatively also be disposed at a distancetherefrom. A feed supplying device 13 supplies an amount of feed to thefeed unit 10, possibly with the aid of data from the animalidentification device 12, the feed of a non-shown feed stock enteringthe feed unit 10 via e.g. a (non-shown) valve and a chute 14.

[0034] Thus it is possible for the feed metering device 1 to recognize aparticular cow, e.g. by means of a transponder fitted to or on the cow.The feed supplying device 13 is controlled in a manner known per se bysoftware that ensures that the right amount of feed is distributed tothe relevant cow.

[0035] The feed metering device 1 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1is provided with a (non-shown) closing means. Such a closing means willbe illustrated in FIG. 2. The feed metering device 1 may additionally beprovided, on a closing means, with deterring means 15, 16 for deterringan animal that visits the feed unit at an undesired point of time andactually wishes to use it. The deterring means are preferably controlledwith the aid of data from the animal identification device. Thisprovides an extra manner to deter animals that are not eligible forbeing fed, in a simple, efficient and cheap way, from putting theirheads into the feed unit.

[0036] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the further deterring meansinclude a loudspeaker 16 for producing an animal-frightening sound.Alternatively or additionally, the further deterring means may include alighting device 15 for emitting an animal-frightening light. Inparticular when a plurality of feed metering devices are disposed sideby side, the use of frightening light may be desirable, as this lightcan be directed in such a manner that its effect is limited to oneparticular feed metering device.

[0037]FIG. 2 shows schematically an embodiment of a feed metering device2 according to the invention. In this embodiment the closing means 25 isconstituted by a separate vessel-like element which is capable ofrotating about an axis 26 and is movable across the entrance opening 21.When the closing means 25 is moved across the entrance opening 21, thecontents of the feed unit 20 can be made inaccessible to a particularanimal.

[0038] Additionally, there may be provided further deterring means inthe form of a voltage emitting device 27 for emitting ananimal-frightening electric voltage to the closing means 25. Animalsthat undesirably approach the feed metering device 2 often make contactwith the feed metering device 2. In particular they will touch theclosing means 25 with their noses. By linking with the voltage emittingdevice 27 precisely those components of the feed metering device thatare regularly touched by the animals, it is possible to deter aparticular animal very locally as an additional measure. This secondembodiment of a feed metering device 2 according to the invention alsocomprises a feed supplying device 23 and a chute 24 for the feed.

[0039]FIG. 3 shows schematically a third embodiment of a feed meteringdevice 3 according to the invention. In this embodiment the closingmeans is constituted by the feed unit 30 itself, which is designed as amovable one. In the embodiment shown the feed unit 30 is rotatablydisposed about an axis 36. In order to prevent that, in the position inwhich the feed unit 30 closes the entrance opening 31, feed falls fromthe feed unit 30, the feed unit 30 comprises a wall portion 35 forcatching remaining feed. Said wall portion 35 can also act as a feedguide means for feed that is supplied to the feed unit 30 via the chute34 of the feed supplying device 33.

[0040] For the purpose of providing, besides a simple but reliableconstruction, also a compact construction, according to the invention aroll 29 respectively 39 (or 19) is driven by a motor 28 respectively 38,which roll 19, 29, 39 contacts the closing means 25 respectively 30.Preferably the feed unit 30 thus bears on the animal identificationdevice 32 via the roll 39.

[0041] An extremely compact construction is obtained when the motor 28,38 and the roll 29, 39 are included in a housing B, C, which is disposedin the vicinity below the entrance opening. Preferably the housing alsocontains the relevant animal identification devices 22, 32.

[0042] According to the invention, the feed-metering device may beprovided with means for weighing the feed present in the feed unit,which means move the feed unit in a pivoting respectively a rotatingmanner. With the aid of said means it is possible to determine how muchfeed is consumed by a particular animal, and at the same time whetherremaining feed is present in the feed unit. The means for weighing thefeed present in the feed unit are preferably connected to the feedsupplying device for supplying an amount of feed to the feed unit withthe aid of data both from the animal identification device and theweighing means, so that the amount of feed left by the previous animalcan be taken into account.

[0043] In the embodiment of FIG. 1 the means for weighing the feedpresent in the feed unit 10 comprise a feed unit 10 which is pivotableabout a hinge pin 17. The degree of pivotability is determined by theweight of the feed present in the feed unit 10. There is provided adevice 18 for determining the degree of pivotability of the feed unit 10and for deducing therefrom the weight of the feed present in the feedunit 10. The device 18 for determining the degree of pivotability of thefeed unit 10 comprises a measuring roll 19 which is in contact with thefeed unit. From the degree of rotation of the roll 19 the degree ofpivotability and thus the amount of feed in the feed unit 10 can bedetermined.

[0044] Due to the fact that the device 18, 19 for determining the degreeof pivotability of the feed unit 10 is integrated in the housing A, inwhich e.g. the animal identification device 12 may be disposed as well,a compact construction of the feed metering device is obtained.Alternatively, the device 18, 19 may be located outside the housing A.

[0045] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the device 201 fordetermining the degree of pivotability of the feed unit 20 and fordeducing therefrom the weight of the feed present in the feed unit 20may alternatively or additionally comprise a load sensor 202. In theembodiment shown the feed unit 20 bears on the load sensor 202 via asupporting arm 203, while the feed unit 20 pivots about a hinge pin 204.The load sensor 202 is preferably included in the housing B.

[0046] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, even small differencesin weight can be measured due to the fact that the hinge pin 17, 204 andthe measuring roll 19 respectively the load sensor 202 are located at asmall distance from each other.

[0047] In order to prevent the measuring roll, the load sensor orsimilar from being damaged in case of an undesired defect, e.g. when theanimal pushes the manger downwards with force, there may be provided inboth embodiments a safety supporting bracket 101 (FIG. 1) respectively205 (FIG. 2) for supporting the feed unit 10; 20.

[0048] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the means for weighing the feedpresent in the feed unit comprise a movable feed unit 30. The feed unit30 is moved in a reciprocating manner by the motor 38 by which the roll39 is driven. As a result of this movement there occurs a torque whosemagnitude is determined by a device 301 for measuring the magnitude ofthe torque. The device 301 deduces the weight of the feed present in thefeed unit from the torque determined. The exact correlation betweentorque and amount of feed can previously be determined by means ofsimple calibration tests.

[0049] The embodiment according to FIG. 3 has a compact construction dueto the fact that the motor 38 for moving the feed unit 30 and the device301 for measuring the magnitude of the torque during movement and fordeducing, from the magnitude of the torque measured, the weight of thefeed present in the feed unit 30, are integrated in the housing C.

[0050] Although for the roll 39 there may be used a separate torqueroll, the roll 39 preferably functions as a drive of the closing means,in this situation constituted by the feed unit 30 itself, as well as atorque roll respectively a measuring roll. Of course the torque can alsobe measured via said motor.

[0051] The fourth embodiment of a feed metering device 4 according tothe present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, comprises means fordeterring an animal that wishes to use the feed unit 40, with the aid ofdata from the animal identification device 42, as well as means forweighing the feed present in the feed unit 40.

[0052] The closing means 46, which is rotatable about an axis 45, is setin rotation by a roll 47 which can come into contact with the closingmeans 46. The roll 47 is driven by a motor 48 which is controlled withthe aid of data from the animal identification device 42.

[0053] In this embodiment the weighing means are constituted by a feedunit 40 which is rotatable about an axis 49. The feed unit 40 can bebrought into contact with the roll 47, and is subjected to areciprocating motion by correctly controlling the motor 48 that drivesthe roll 47. By the movement of the feed unit 40 there is generated atorque that can be measured by the torque measuring device 401.

[0054] In the situation shown in FIG. 4, the roll 47 makes contact withthe feed unit 40 and the latter can be set in motion for determining theamount of feed present in the feed unit 40. After an animal has consumedthe feed, the amount of remaining feed can be determined by torquemeasurement. Then the roll 47 is controlled by the motor 48 in such amanner that the feed unit 40 will be partially located in the entranceopening 41. A catching element 402 on the feed unit 40 takes the closingmeans 46 along until the latter comes into contact with the roll 47.Then the roll 47 controls the closing means 46 in such a manner that thelatter covers the entire entrance opening 41. As a result of the factthat the feed unit 40 is no longer in contact with the roll 47, the feedunit 40 falls back to the starting position in which feed can possiblybe added by the feed supplying device 43 via the chute 44.

[0055] The fifth embodiment of a feed metering device according to thepresent invention, as shown in FIG. 5, differs from that of FIG. 4 bythe position of the hinge pin 59 about which the feed unit 50 rotates.The hinge pin 59 is positioned close to the roll 56 for driving the feedunit 50 and measuring the torque, for measuring very small differencesin the amount of feed. There is also provided a stop 58 for preventingsuperfluous movement of the feed unit 50. The closing means 55 forclosing the entrance opening 51 pivots about the axis 57.

[0056] For the purpose of being able accurately to perform animalidentification and to obtain at the same time a compact construction, afeed metering device according to the present invention is characterizedin that the animal identification device is disposed in the housing Ewhich is located in the vicinity below the entrance opening. Althoughthe invention has been described on the basis of an animalidentification device, possibly provided with weighing and/or deterringmeans, which is fitted to the so-called stationary world, it is alsopossible to dispose the animal identification device and/or the weighingand/or deterring means on the (possibly) movable feed unit.

1. A feed metering device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) for distributing fodder and/ordrink in metered portions to an animal, which feed metering device (1,2, 3, 4, 5) is provided with a feed unit (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) forcontaining fodder and/or drink, an entrance opening (11, 21, 31, 41, 51)to the feed unit (10, 20, 30, 40, 50), and a feed supplying device (13,23, 33, 43) for supplying an amount of fodder and/or drink to the feedunit (10, 20, 30, 40, 50), the feed metering device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)being provided with a closing means (25, 30, 40, 46, 50, 55) that ismovable across the entrance opening in order to deter an animal visitingthe feed unit (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) from taking fodder and/or drink,characterized in that the closing means (25, 30, 40, 46, 50, 55) rotatesabout an axis (26, 36, 45, 57), the closing means being driven by a roll(19, 29, 39, 47, 56) that contacts the closing means, which roll (19,29, 39, 47, 56) is driven by a motor (28, 38, 48).
 2. A feed meteringdevice (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that thefeed metering device comprises an animal identification device (12), theroll (19, 29, 39, 47, 56) being controlled with the aid of data from theanimal identification device (12).
 3. A feed metering device (1, 2, 3,4, 5) as claimed in claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the roll (19,29, 39, 47, 56) is disposed in the vicinity below the entrance opening(11, 21, 31, 41, 51).
 4. A feed metering device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) asclaimed in claim 1 , 2 or 3, characterized in that a housing (A, B, C,D, E) is disposed in the vicinity below the entrance opening (11, 21,31, 41, 51), in which housing (A, B, C, D, E) the roll (19, 29, 39, 47,56) is mounted.
 5. A feed metering device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) as claimed inclaim 1 , 2 , 3 or 4, characterized in that the movable closing means isconstituted by the feed unit (30, 40, 50), which is designed as amovable one.
 6. A feed metering device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) as claimed inclaim 5 , characterized in that the feed unit (30) comprises a wallportion (35) for catching remaining feed.
 7. A feed metering device (1,2, 3, 4, 5) as claimed in claim 5 or 6 , characterized in that the feedunit (30, 40, 50) bears on the housing (A, B, C, D, E) via the roll (19,29, 39, 47, 56).
 8. A feed metering device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) as claimed inany one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the motor isincluded in the housing (A, B, C, D, E).
 9. A feed metering device (1,2, 3, 4, 5) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterizedin that the animal identification device (12) is included in the housing(A, B, C, D, E).
 10. A feed metering device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) as claimedin any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feedmetering device comprises further deterring means, which further meansinclude a loudspeaker (16) for producing an animal-frightening sound.11. A feed metering device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) as claimed in any one of thepreceding claims, characterized in that the feed metering devicecomprises further deterring means, which further means include alighting device (15) for emitting an animal-frightening light.
 12. Afeed metering device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) as claimed in any one of thepreceding claims, characterized in that the feed metering devicecomprises further deterring means, which further means include a voltageemitting device (27) for emitting an animal-frightening electricvoltage.
 13. A feed metering device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 10 to 12 and with reference to claim 3 ,characterized in that the further deterring means for deterring ananimal are at least partially integrated in the housing (A, B, C, D, E).14. A feed metering device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) as claimed in any one of thepreceding claims, characterized in that the feed metering device isprovided with means for weighing the fodder and/or drink present in thefeed unit (10, 20, 30, 40, 50), which means move the feed unit (10, 20,30, 40, 50) in a pivoting respectively a rotating manner.
 15. A feedmetering device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) as claimed in claim 14 , characterizedin that the means for weighing the fodder and/or drink present in thefeed unit (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) are connected to the feed supplyingdevice (13, 23, 33, 43) for supplying an amount of fodder and/or drinkto the feed unit (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) with the aid of data both from theanimal identification device (12, 22, 32, 42, 52) and the weighingmeans.
 16. A feed metering device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) as claimed in claim 14or 15 , characterized in that the means for weighing the fodder and/ordrink present in the feed unit comprise: a feed unit (10, 20, 30, 40,50), which is pivotable about a hinge pin (26, 36, 45, 57), the degreeof pivotability being determined by the weight of the fodder and/ordrink present in the feed unit (10, 20, 30, 40, 50), a device (18, 201)for determining the degree of pivotability of the feed unit (10, 20, 30,40, 50) and for deducing, from the degree as determined, the weight ofthe fodder and/or drink present in the feed unit (10, 20, 30, 40, 50).17. A feed metering device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) as claimed in claim 16 ,characterized in that the device (18, 201) for determining the degree ofpivotability of the feed unit (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) and for deducing,from the degree as determined, the weight of the fodder and/or drinkpresent in the feed unit (10, 20, 30, 40, 50), is integrated in thehousing (A, B, C, D, E).
 18. A feed metering device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) asclaimed in claim 16 or 17 , characterized in that the device fordetermining the degree of pivotability of the feed unit and fordeducing, from the degree as determined, the weight of the fodder and/ordrink present in the feed unit, comprises a measuring roll (19, 29, 39,47, 56) which is in contact with the feed unit.
 19. A feed meteringdevice (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) as claimed in claim 16 or 17 , characterized inthat the device for determining the degree of pivotability of the feedunit and for deducing, from the degree as determined, the weight of thefodder and/or drink present in the feed unit, is constituted by a loadsensor (202), the feed unit bearing on the load sensor (202).
 20. A feedmetering device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) as claimed in claim 19 , characterizedin that the load sensor (202) is included in the housing (A, B, C, D,E).
 21. A feed metering device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) as claimed in claim 18 or20 , characterized in that the hinge pin (204, 59) and the measuringroll (29, 56) respectively the load sensor (202) are located at a smalldistance from each other.
 22. A feed metering device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) asclaimed in any one of the preceding claims 14 to 21 , characterized inthat there is provided a safety supporting bracket (101, 205, 58) forthe feed unit.
 23. A feed metering device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) as claimed inclaim 14 , characterized in that the means for weighing the fodderand/or drink present in the feed unit comprise: a movable feed unit(30), a motor (38) for moving the feed unit (30), a device (301) formeasuring the magnitude of the torque during movement and for deducing,from the magnitude of the torque measured, the weight of the fodderand/or drink present in the feed unit (30).
 24. A feed metering device(1, 2, 3, 4, 5) as claimed in claim 23 , characterized in that the motor(38) for moving the feed unit (30), and the device (301) for measuringthe magnitude of the torque during movement and for deducing, from themagnitude of the torque measured, the weight of the fodder and/or drinkpresent in the feed unit (30), are integrated in the housing (A, B, C,D, E).
 25. A feed metering device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) as claimed in claim 23or 24 , characterized in that the motor (38) for moving the feed unit(30) drives a torque roll (39), which torque roll (39) is in contactwith the feed unit (30).
 26. A feed metering device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) asclaimed in claims 5 and 25 or claims 5 and 18, characterized in that theroll for driving the feed unit and the torque roll respectively themeasuring roll, are constituted by one roll.